Steven Silva Rodrigues returned to the starting lineup as Leixoes defeated Trofense in Portugal's second division.

Leixoes 2-1 Trofense

After struggling with a muscle strain for the previous two weeks, Steven was reinstated to his customary spot on the Leixoes backline and came within a minute of helping preserve a shutout.

Ivorian striker Judikael Magique Goualy nearly tallied for Trofense within 30 seconds of the opening kickoff when his shot caromed off the post, but Leixoes would go on to control the next 89 minutes.

Luis Silva put the hosts up 1-0 in the 11th minute, and relegation threatened Trofense faced an even tougher task after Romeu Torres was sent off in the 42nd minute.

Cape Verdean attacker Mailo capitalized on the man advantage and put Leixoes up 2-0 in the 48th minute.

It was not until the 90th minute, after Leixoes substitute Moedas had earned two yellows within five minutes, that Jonathan Silva Oliveira was able to tally a consolation goal for the guests.

In a card-filled game, Steven picked up his fourth yellow of the year in the 35th minute.

The victory moves Leixoes into sixth place and they will next take the field on the road against last place Freamunde on 1/31.

Notes:

Tony Taylor did not take part in Estoril's 3-3 tie with Olhanense, a controversial game which saw three penalty goals. The Estoril faithful will feel it was a particularly unjust result, as Olhanense's third goal came via the spot after Anderson Luis was wrongly adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. In addition to giving up the tying goal, the fullback was also sent off for his phantom handball.

Likewise, neither Caleb Patterson-Sewell nor Sergio Duarte played as Vitoria de Setubal fell 2-0 at home to Nacional. Patterson-Sewell and Setubal remain firmly in the relegation battle, while the three points move Duarte and Nacional to safety temporarily.